Hello everyone! I'm Shemihaza, your guardian (sentinel). Your smartphone is an essential tool for your daily life, isn't it? But did you know that dangerous apps and programs might be secretly hiding inside it?
Today, I'll be talking about how to protect your smartphone and your valuable information from 'fake apps' and 'malicious programs (malware)' that look normal but are actually up to no good behind the scenes. With just a little bit of care, you can protect yourself from major trouble!
Dangerous Apps Creep in With These Tactics!
Malicious actors try to install dangerous apps on your smartphone using various methods. Let's look at some of these tactics.
- ▸① They try to make you download fake apps, meticulously crafted to look identical to legitimate ones, from sources other than official stores (Google Play Store or App Store). 'Wild apps,' obtained from unofficial places, often have malicious functions built-in from the start.
- ▸② They send seemingly legitimate emails or messages (SMS) like 'Redelivery notification' or 'Password change required.' If you click on the URL (internet address) in these messages, it leads to a fake website where they try to make you download a dangerous app.
- ▸③ While browsing the internet, you might suddenly see a bright red warning screen pop up, saying things like 'You've been infected with a virus!' or 'Danger!' designed to incite fear. Then, they try to trick you into downloading what is actually a malicious app by telling you to 'Download this app to fix it!'
- ▸④ They use names and icons that are very similar to popular games or useful apps to trick you into downloading them by mistake. It can be difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake just by looking at them.
Is Your Smartphone at Risk? Watch Out for These Signs!
If your smartphone gets infected with a dangerous app, you might notice these 'something's off' signs. If even one applies to you, be very careful.
- ▸① Is your smartphone's battery draining unusually fast, or is your internet data usage (gigabytes) much higher than usual?
- ▸② Is your smartphone suddenly slowing down or getting hot on its own?
- ▸③ Are unknown apps being installed automatically, or are you receiving frequent notifications and messages you don't recognize?
- ▸④ When you open an app, are you repeatedly asked to log in, or does it request permissions for a lot of information like 'contacts' or 'location information' when it shouldn't need them?
- ▸⑤ Is your smartphone screen suddenly locked, and are you being asked to pay money to unlock it? This is a very malicious tactic called 'ransomware.'
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
So, what should you keep in mind to protect your precious smartphone from dangerous apps? I'll share a few simple checkpoints.
- ✓Always check that you are downloading apps only from your smartphone's 'official store' (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iPhone).
- ✓Before downloading an app, carefully check the name of the company that created it (developer) and other users' 'reviews' (impressions and ratings). Be suspicious if the ratings are extremely biased or if there's unnatural Japanese.
- ✓If an app requests permission for unnecessary information like 'contacts' or 'location information,' do not download it.
- ✓Never click on URLs (internet addresses) found in suspicious emails or messages.
- ✓Always ensure your smartphone's system and apps are updated to the 'latest version.' This is very important to keep your phone's 'lock' up-to-date and protect it from malicious actors.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you think you might have installed a dangerous app, or if something feels off, don't worry alone—seek advice immediately. If you've entered credit card information, contact your credit card company right away.
Consumer Hotline: 188 (Connects you to a local consumer affairs consultation service from anywhere in the country)
Police Consultation Hotline: #9110 (They will advise you on troubles and concerns)